Seceret Weapon work is underway at Alton Towers theme park

ALTON Towers have revealed work has now started on their upcoming rollercoaster Secret Weapon 8.

The work at the Staffordshire theme park will take 13 to 14 months.

Details regarding the rollercoaster, which will replace The Flume, are being kept firmly under wraps.

But it is understood the new ride will be called SW8 - or Secret Weapon 8 - and will border Mutiny Bay and Kantaga Canyon. Work is underway, and the theme park has revealed its latest big attraction should be open for the start of the 2018 season.

Construction is expected to take 13 to 14 months before staff carry out checks to ensure the ride is running properly.

An Alton Towers spokesman said: “Construction started in the last quarter of 2016 with an anticipated duration of 58 weeks, followed by an 11 week period for testing and staff training.”

The tourist attraction was granted planning permission for the latest ride earlier this year after The Flume was decommissioned.

It will include sound tunnels and screens, along with a shop, pre-show building, games unit and food kiosk. Up to 25 jobs will also be created. Fans have speculated the plans may be similar to the Dollywood theme park’s Lightning Rod - which bills itself as the ‘world’s fastest wood coaster’.

Earlier this year, Alton Towers opened ‘Galactica’ - an adapted ver- sion of the existing Air rollercoaster using virtual reality technology.

However, the proposed new ride would be the first newly-built ride at the park in five years.

The park has traditionally referred to its new rides as ‘Secret Weapon’ before unveiling the official name of the attraction shortly before opening.

The spokesman added: “The proposal will refresh and enhance the visitor offer and ensure that the resort continues to attract visitors.”